Georgetown Revived: Historic Seattle neighborhood is back to life

The historic Seattle neighborhood of Georgetown is often overlooked. Far from downtown, beyond Qwest and Safeco, beyond Showbox SoDo, lies Georgetown. Over the years, Georgetown has developed a reputation for being, well, ghetto. I can’t speak for the past (but Wikipedia can, so click here to learn more!), but I know that despite rumors, Georgetown is looking far from ghetto these days. To say that Georgetown is booming is far from the truth, but that doesn’t mean that it should be ignored. Here are some awesome Georgetown recommendations.

Georgetown sights to see:

Rainier Brewery remains
In 1883, John Clausen and Edward Sweeny constructed a brewery in Georgetown. This brewery later became the Seattle Brewing and Malting Company, creators of Rainier Beer. In the late 70s, Rainier production was moved to the Olympia Brewery which closed in 2003. Today, Rainier is brewed far-far away in California, but the skeletal remains of the original brewery can still be seen in Georgetown on Airport Way S.

Oxbow Park

The Georgetown Boots leer above the hat being restored at Oxbow Park.

Only the Fremont Troll could wear hats and boots the size of the pair that sits at Georgetown’s Oxbow Park. The colorful pair was moved from Georgetown’s Hat ‘n’ Boots service Station down Corson Avenue South from the park. The station hailed back to the early days of the automobile and a trend in commercial architecture to merge whimsy and function. The boots and hat were both functional buildings in their day. The station eventually closed and in 2003 the historic structures were moved to Oxbow Park. Unfortunately, the mammoth accessories can no longer be entered and the hat is currently being restored. Restoration completion is expected for late 2008. Visit the hat and boots at Oxbow Park between Carleton and Corson Aves S.

Bars with Attitude:

Georgetown Liquor Company
This unusual gaming pub comes with a full bar and 100 percent vegetarian menu. The pub is complete with arcade games like pinball, Defender, and my favorite, Ms. Pac Man. Sorry to the youngsters, this is more bar than restaurant and is 21+ only. It’s at 5501 Airport Way S.

Jules Maes
Georgetown bars are known for their games and the game at Jules Maes is pinball. If you’re a fan, head past the bar to the back room for pinball and skee-ball. You can catch live music at this rockin’ bar. Next show, Friday Aug. 1. Come on down to Jules Maes at 5919 Airport Way S. to hear Sindios, Slave Traitor, Black Budget and Mobile Slaughter Unit.

Planet Georgetown

Customers enjoy the beer garden at Planet Georgetown.

Located beside Boeing Field, Planet Georgetown, AKA Uncle Moe’s, is a great place to grab a burger. Don’t expect a menu beyond bar food, but do expect that bar food to be great. Planet Georgetown offers an $8.45 10-ounce steak on Monday’s and multiple televisions blaring at all open hours. I recommend the Mo burger, a one-third-pound beast complete with swiss cheese and ham. For an atmospheric upgrade, sit outside in Mo’s beer garden and watch the planes fly by overhead. Planet Georgetown is at 6266 12th Ave. S.

Sweet Shopping:

Georgetown Brewing Company
Famous for Manny’s Pale Ale, Georgetown Brewing Company is a Seattle microbrewery in the original ‘Malt House’ of the Seattle Brewing and Malting Company. Unfortunately, the company is a draft-beer only production brewery which means no brewpub. While you cannot sip Manny’s at its birthplace, you can purchase kegs and growlers from the on-site retail shop at 5840 Airport Way South. As you near the brewery, the sweet scent of hops and molasses fill the air, letting you know you are close to Georgetown beer heaven. For more information click HERE.

Fantagraphics
Founded in 1976, Fantagraphics comic company has published critically acclaimed graphic novels such as Ghost World and Love and Rockets. While the company has had its struggles, like Georgetown itself, it has managed to keep afloat through hard times. In 2006, the company opened its own retail store in Georgetown and has become a must-see spot for those visiting the neighborhood.

Georgetown Records
Adjoined to Fantagraphics, Georgetown Records is the best place in Georgetown to purchase a wide variety of music on CD, LP and 45. Georgetown Records both buys and sells records. If you have any old records to sell, take them into Georgetown on Saturday afternoon between noon and 6 p.m. and make some bucks! For more information, click HERE, or visit the Georgetown Records adjacent to Fantagraphics in Georgetown at the corner of South Vale Street and Airport Way South.

Full Throttle Bottles

Full Throttle Beer carries more than 350 types of domestic and imported beers

This specialty beer and wine store is in the heart Georgetown. Full Throttle carries more than 350 types of domestic and international import beers. If wine is your thing, the selection of 200 international wines – all under $30 – is sure to please. To get the most bang for your buck, make sure to ask for a Bottle Cap Club Card. For every $10 you spend, you will receive a sticker. Collect 10 stickers and receive 11% off your next purchase. See Full Throttles List of Brands HERE, or, see it in person at 5909 Airport Way South.